GUYANA’S first-ever agri-tourism policy aims to generate some 1,500 indirect jobs within the next five years of implementation, a target described as “achievable” by Candace Phillips, Senior Manager of Product Development within the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce.
Phillips explained to the Sunday Chronicle how the major target spans enterprises in all ten administrative regions, allowing for inclusive growth and the spin-off effect of such implementation. From transportation, labour, meals, culinary, hospitality, agro-processors, and associated amenities and services, the policy covers the total value chain.
The target outlined within the policy document represents 10 per cent of tourism’s projected contribution to indirect employment. In the plan, the first five years will allow for project implementation focusing on curating experiences, associated training and capacity-building, Phillips explained.
Depending on the individual product development cycle, it is expected that various experiences will be unveiled, she stated, noting that post-five-year experiences offered to the target market will give rise to new areas for further development. The overall strategy, according to her, is to improve the linkage between tourism and agriculture not only for tourism purposes but also to reduce Guyana’s dependency on food importation.
Phillips did, however, note that incentives still need to be defined but will be further discussed as the implementation phase begins. One of the strategies would be to align businesses with incentives for registration and operational policies, which can help them access funding, which she said is already available but may be underutilised.
Phillips further disclosed that robust training support will be provided by multiple institutions and agencies, including the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and Inter-American Institute of Agricultural Sciences (IICA). In fact, she stated that IICA has an online rural tourism course which beneficiaries are enrolled in to build their understanding of the linkages between agriculture and tourism.
Under the policy, according to Phillips, there will be heavy emphasis on providing product development support. For each product to be developed, a training plan will be crafted to ensure that service providers are best positioned to be able to provide a quality service experience, she said. Accordingly, as a main beneficiary group, opportunities for women and youths will be embedded in the project.
Phillips added: “This will be done through including opportunities for their involvement and building their skillset. By exposing them to various areas of empowerment, it is envisioned that they will play a leading role in the sector- creating viable income opportunities and improving their lives.”
Last month, the Government of Guyana (GoG) took a bold step and launched the national agri-tourism policy, a comprehensive strategy aimed at redefining the market, transforming livelihoods and promoting inclusive and sustainable growth. The policy offers numerous avenues for Guyana to expand its value-added opportunities, introducing many new products and experiences that are second to none, including farm-to-table activities, cultural heritage experiences and eco-adventures.
The policy aligns Guyana not only with its national development goals but also places the country at the forefront of regional priorities, including CARICOM’s agri-food security agenda. On a global scale, the national policy plans to address food security, economic diversification and climate resilience, while also advancing Guyana’s efforts to meet the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Transforming Guyana
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, during the launch of the policy, had stated that the policy marks a decisive move towards converting Guyana into a global attraction. In her address, the minister spoke extensively about the “infinite possibilities” within the tourism sector.
“This initiative underscores the unwavering commitment of the Government of Guyana to foster the growth of niche tourism. The advancement of the agritourism sector is the result of a strategic partnership between MINTIC and the Ministry of Agriculture,” Minister Rodrigues said.
Emphasising the government’s commitment to developing the tourism sector, the Minister had also announced the creation of a National Agri-tourism Council, a body that will work assiduously to execute the national policy and oversee its rollout.
“Our objective is to create a diverse and inclusive council that represents a broad spectrum of stakeholders,” she said.